PSYCHEDELIC CONSULTATION

Human beings have used psychedelic substances for ten thousand years. They emerged into our modern western awareness in 1943 when Albert Hoffman first synthesized LSD, which allowed the psychedelic experience to travel to places in the world where psychedelics did not avail themselves in the local fauna. LSD was immediately utilized by psychiatrists and psychologists to successfully treat anxiety, depression, and alcoholism. In 1957 Life Magazine published an article by Gordon Wasson on “The Magic Mushroom of Mexico.” This ushered in the age of adventure consciousness travel that still exists today as eager psychonauts head off to the Amazon in search of enlightenment. These two modalities, one built upon the western concepts of the psyche, and the other based in folk medicine, still flow in parallel vicinity to one another and sometimes interweave into the modern psychedelic experience.

By the time psychedelics became democratized by recreational use in the 1960’s, they’d already had two decades of success in clinical settings in Europe and North America. Once they moved from psychiatric clinics into the general population their impact on western culture was enormous. However, recreational use also created difficulties for people who took these substances in sub optimal situations where their profundity and power was not properly respected or understood.

Right now, a psychedelic renaissance is occurring that combines the clinical success of the the 1950’s and 1960’s with the folk medicine traditions that go back millennia. People are hungry for the consciousness transforming experiences that these substances are able to provide. However, people should be careful of being exploited by providers, who have no formal therapeutic training or education, who may not be able to be of assistance during challenging experiences, which if handled dexterously, bear life changing fruit. Hanging out with people tripping at Burning Man, hardly qualifies someeone to be helpful in the transformative depths of the Psyche.

I have an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from Syracuse University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from The California Institute of Integral Studies. At Syracuse my special field of study was Carl Jung’s theories on how the Psyche seeks out ecstatic experience to expand its orientation toward life. At CIIS, I studied with many of the pioneers of Psychedelic Therapy. Presently CIIS is the world’s only academic institution offering certification in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. While there I trained as a therapist, and did three years of psychotherapy internships. It was at that time that I also began counseling astrology clients. I have thirty years of experience in educating people about utilizing psychedelic substances for their maximum benefit, while reducing their risk. Used properly, psychedelics can be a tool of insight, creativity, healing and over all well being.

If you are interested in utilizing psychedelics responsibly, I can help you determine if this may be an effective experience for you. If you decide that it is, I can be of help in positioning you for maximum safety and benefit. Whether you are considering micro-dosing, or are considering using Psychedelic Therapy to overcome a psychological, creative, or spiritual challenge, or are just looking to increase your well being through harvesting unique insights from this experience, there is a time tested protocol that will position you for success, while minimizing chances of difficulty. Many variables in the use of psychedelics can be controlled to ensure that you have the experience that will maximally beneficial. We’ll work together to customize a program based on your goals, life experience, and psychological constitution, to empower you to have a positive, and fulfilling outcome. After your experience, I will help you implant the benefits of your experience into your daily life. Ultimately, the value of the psychedelic experience is determined by its utility in your life going forward. It should not be a spectacular phantasm whose recall is an exciting memory, but a reservoir that can be drawn from during all the days that follow. Psychedelic experience offers you the opportunity to look at the origins of the circumstances of your life from a fresh perspective, and if used properly, can be a tool of healing, transformation, inspiration and joy. Let’s work together to create a program in service of your highest good.